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Declutter Your Custom Closets Using These 13 Versatile Accessories

Damon Cox • Oct 16, 2020
Signature Closet Rod
Do you have two almost identical black belts with silver buckles? Not because you love the look but, rather, because you had to buy a second belt when your original one disappeared in the black hole you call a closet? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Closets and clutter seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. 

Whether you are ready to embark on a full Marie Kondo inspired closet clean-out or simply want to spruce things up, decluttering your custom closets can easily be done by following the advice below and by utilizing 13 versatile accessories: 

  • Sort It Out
    • Hanging Rods
    • Pant Racks
    • Laundry Valets

  • Get in the Zone:
    • Lingerie Drawers
    • Deep Divided Drawers
    • Sliding Baskets
    • Racks
    • Hooks
    • Shoe Racks

  • Just Let It Hang:
    • Jewelry Organizers
    • Jewelry Trays
    • Knobs

  • Box It Up:
    • Storage Boxes

Keep reading for expert advice and creative solutions on how to utilize the above accessories to declutter your closets.

Sort It Out

The first step in decluttering your closets is to give them a good cleaning. Go through your belongings and sort out what you want to keep and what you want to donate or toss. It’s always a good idea to reevaluate what you own at least once a year; a seasonal sort is even better!


Get rid of anything that you don’t wear, either because it doesn’t fit or because it’s no longer in style. An annual cleanse also let’s you decide what you might want to purchase to extend your wardrobe. According to TheEveryGirl.com, faux fur and fringe are two of the top trends for the fall season – so make sure you have room in your closet for a comfy coat or stylish sweater. 


Now is also the time to consider adding accessories to improve the functionality & maximize the amount of space in your closets. For example, the experts at  House Beautiful suggest adding a second hanging rod. This will quite literally double your storage space, as you can now hang your shirts and jackets on the upper pole and your skirts and pants on the lower pole – or vice versa, whatever’s most convenient for you.


Instead of a lower hanging rod, men might want to consider a pull-out pants rack. It’s ideal for dress pants, but equally suitable for jeans. A laundry valet is another awesome accessory to consider when trying to tackle closet clutter. Not only does this versatile valet hook allow you to hang your dry cleaning, it’s also a great tool to use when putting together the pieces to create your #OOTD (Outfit of the Day). You’ll be the envy of all the fashionistas with this fabulous find.


Note: If you feel like you’re ready to redesign your closets completely, and not just with accessories, keep in mind that every closet system varies in price. To learn more about the prices of custom closets, check out this article by Innovative Home Storage.

Get in the Zone

The interior design experts at Houzz recommend you divide your closet into sections or zones, grouping like items together for ease and simplicity. For example, short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts, and even sleeveless shirts, could all be hung together. Grouping like items together is known as organizing by type. Clothes can also be organized according to season or function, such as work or casual.


Real Simple takes closet organization a step further, suggesting that you sort each section by color. This way you can easily find the pieces you need and you will be able to mix and match colors to create exciting outfits.


While hanging clothes from rods is probably the best way to see what’s in your wardrobe, you likely have some stuff you simply do not want to put on display in your custom closet. A lingerie drawer is a great way to secretly stash your unmentionables. Deep divided drawers or sliding baskets are perfect for items that can be folded, such as t-shirts and workout wear.


To keep your closets clutter free, it’s important to organize your accessories as well. Consider adding a variety of racks and hooks for scarves, belts, or whatever items you need to be easily accessible. You could even bring in shoe racks to store your favorite footwear from sneakers to sandals and penny loafers to pumps.

Just Let It Hang

While there are certainly plenty of products specifically designed to store accessories, other items can be repurposed to help you declutter your closets.


Jewelry organizers and jewelry trays will keep your trinkets tangle-free. With separate sections that allow you to organize your collection of rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces,  Even better, the jewelry trays can be stashed away in drawers, keeping your prized possessions safe and secure.


When it comes to creating a custom closet, why not truly customize it by putting your favorite pieces on display. House Beautiful suggests using decorative knobs to create a jewelry wall, transforming your gems into a decorative display. Your statement necklaces will surely make a statement with this clever trick.


Another helpful hint from House Beautiful is to use hooks to hang your purses. You’ll be more apt to change your pocketbook when they are all within reach. Plus, as an added benefit, hanging your purses ensures the handles don’t get twisted out of shape.

Box It Up

Last but not least, declutter your closets by storing the stuff you don’t need right now in boxes.


Real Simple magazine believes closets are like houses, with the “main floors” being the rods, racks and shelves, and the upper shelves acting as the “attic.” It suggests that you place seasonal clothes and accessories in storage boxes and place them on the top shelf of your closet, leaving plenty of space for what you are currently wearing. For instance, during the winter bathing suits and flip-flops can be put away, making room for more sweaters and sweatshirts.


Storage boxes are a great solution for organizing sportswear as well, especially for active children who play multiple sports. You can stash all of your son’s soccer gear – uniforms, shin guards, and cleats – after season ends, making space in his closet for basketball jerseys and high-top sneakers. You’ll never be scrambling to find a uniform again just minutes before you need to leave for the game. 


When storing clothing, Insider recommends using plastic bins with holes or natural material bins lined with cotton or linen. This allows air to circulate, extending the life of your clothes, and protects items from dust and moisture.

Houzz offers its own helpful hints for storing seasonal clothes. Its experts say be sure to wash and/or dry-clean your items before you put them away, because antiperspirant, cologne, and makeup residue attract insects.

Conclusion

Clutter can easily overtake your closets if you are not careful. The trick to maintaining order is to have an organization system that works for you, with a couple of accessories here and there to keep your space neat and organized. From rods and racks to baskets and bins, the list is endless!

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